The 9/9/2014 Apple Launch Event Thread

[purbeast0]

Can't believe its selling out even before reviews are out. Either apple users really trust apple to continue creating good phones or apple users really don't care about performance and its all about the brand and ecosystem.

Android phones don't have this luxury, users wait for reviews even before considering one.

Good thing I was able to transition my wife to the HTC m8 before this came out or else she would have gotten it for sure, for now goodgoodbye iTunes.

you haven't need itunes with iphones for over 3 and a half years now, possibly longer. i just say 3.5 years because that is when i got my first iphone when verizon first got them in 2011.

and i don't know wtf you are talking about users not caring about performance. what they've shown of the ip6, the performance is spectacular. it's also obviously going to be a major step up for me personally coming from an iphone 4.

apple has a track record of putting out prestine phones so they have earned the benefit of the doubt.

 

[dagamer34]

Can't believe its selling out even before reviews are out. Either apple users really trust apple to continue creating good phones or apple users really don't care about performance and its all about the brand and ecosystem.

Android phones don't have this luxury, users wait for reviews even before considering one.

Good thing I was able to transition my wife to the HTC m8 before this came out or else she would have gotten it for sure, for now goodgoodbye iTunes.

How much could have really changed in a year? The display has gotten bigger, the SoC a little faster, the camera a bit better, etc.. If you already had an iPhone and were planning on getting another one (and only 1 company makes them), what is a review from someone spending 5 days with a device going to tell you that you probably don't already know? It's not as if they are going to have any major regressions in any category which you couldn't reason on your own. If you don't like or can't use the iPhone 6 Plus, a review isn't going to help you there (I assume you are smart enough to figure that out on your own).

It is only for the person cross shopping between platforms that should probably wait for a review, in which case, I don't think they placed a pre-order already.

 

[sze5003]

Can't believe its selling out even before reviews are out. Either apple users really trust apple to continue creating good phones or apple users really don't care about performance and its all about the brand and ecosystem.

Android phones don't have this luxury, users wait for reviews even before considering one.

Good thing I was able to transition my wife to the HTC m8 before this came out or else she would have gotten it for sure, for now goodgoodbye iTunes.

Apple users are happy with the performance of ios. The phone is fit alright for the optimized OS. Sometimes it gets slow but you never need to do anything extra with iPhones. It's sleek, stylish, and easy to use. That's what they care about.

Personally I like to tinker so I like Android and have gotten used to it. I don't know if I would go back to an iPhone as right now they are pretty much on par with android os in terms of os functionality.

 

[Commodus]

Never. Android discounts are seasonal (holiday) and vis-a-vis other Android launches.

Or alternately, now. What you see is what you're gonna get.

It's a combination of factors: how well they're selling, where they are in their life cycles and what the competition is like.

For example, the Amazon Fire phone isn't even two months old, and it has already dropped from $200 on contract to 99 cents -- it's pretty obvious that the device isn't selling. It's not uncommon to see big discounts happen in the last few months of their lifespans. And I've definitely seen rivalries affect prices. The Galaxy S5's price has been fairly static in the US, but it's pretty obvious here in Canada that Samsung is worried about the iPhone -- the price went from over $200 on contact to $99 everywhere, and you're already seeing deals that occasionally bring it to $0.

People may grouse about Apple charging $200-plus on contract throughout the life of an iPhone, but that actually works in the company's favour; it creates a sense of worth (justified or not) and teaches customers not to hold off for a possible price cut. Why would you buy a Galaxy S5 (or any phone, really) right away if you have a hunch the price will drop within a couple of months?

 

[sze5003]

It's a combination of factors: how well they're selling, where they are in their life cycles and what the competition is like.

For example, the Amazon Fire phone isn't even two months old, and it has already dropped from $200 on contract to 99 cents -- it's pretty obvious that the device isn't selling. It's not uncommon to see big discounts happen in the last few months of their lifespans. And I've definitely seen rivalries affect prices. The Galaxy S5's price has been fairly static in the US, but it's pretty obvious here in Canada that Samsung is worried about the iPhone -- the price went from over $200 on contact to $99 everywhere, and you're already seeing deals that occasionally bring it to $0.

People may grouse about Apple charging $200-plus on contract throughout the life of an iPhone, but that actually works in the company's favour; it creates a sense of worth (justified or not) and teaches customers not to hold off for a possible price cut. Why would you buy a Galaxy S5 (or any phone, really) right away if you have a hunch the price will drop within a couple of months?

Not to forget, iPhone resale value via private party is always decent.

 

[Trombe]

It's a combination of factors: how well they're selling, where they are in their life cycles and what the competition is like.

For example, the Amazon Fire phone isn't even two months old, and it has already dropped from $200 on contract to 99 cents -- it's pretty obvious that the device isn't selling. It's not uncommon to see big discounts happen in the last few months of their lifespans. And I've definitely seen rivalries affect prices. The Galaxy S5's price has been fairly static in the US, but it's pretty obvious here in Canada that Samsung is worried about the iPhone -- the price went from over $200 on contact to $99 everywhere, and you're already seeing deals that occasionally bring it to $0.

People may grouse about Apple charging $200-plus on contract throughout the life of an iPhone, but that actually works in the company's favour; it creates a sense of worth (justified or not) and teaches customers not to hold off for a possible price cut. Why would you buy a Galaxy S5 (or any phone, really) right away if you have a hunch the price will drop within a couple of months?

FWIW I've seen the base 16GB iPhone 5S for $100 with contract since June (and never went back up to $200) at major stores like Target and 5C for like $20 around the same time frame, and Swappa has the Note 3 and the 5S within $50 of each other, so I don't know if the value is quite like it used to be anymore.

 

[s44]

Staples apparently has the 6 for pre-order now, but not the 6+.

 

[dawheat]

It's a combination of factors: how well they're selling, where they are in their life cycles and what the competition is like.

For example, the Amazon Fire phone isn't even two months old, and it has already dropped from $200 on contract to 99 cents -- it's pretty obvious that the device isn't selling. It's not uncommon to see big discounts happen in the last few months of their lifespans. And I've definitely seen rivalries affect prices. The Galaxy S5's price has been fairly static in the US, but it's pretty obvious here in Canada that Samsung is worried about the iPhone -- the price went from over $200 on contact to $99 everywhere, and you're already seeing deals that occasionally bring it to $0.

People may grouse about Apple charging $200-plus on contract throughout the life of an iPhone, but that actually works in the company's favour; it creates a sense of worth (justified or not) and teaches customers not to hold off for a possible price cut. Why would you buy a Galaxy S5 (or any phone, really) right away if you have a hunch the price will drop within a couple of months?

IPhone prices haven't been nearly as stable as in the past. Plenty of deals all year for the 5S at 100. They even got to free on contract over the summer

 

[Commodus]

IPhone prices haven't been nearly as stable as in the past. Plenty of deals all year for the 5S at 100. They even got to free on contract over the summer

I've noticed! It's a break from before. With that said, Apple didn't rush to discount its devices. This was more to reduce the effects of people holding out for the new model in the last few months (which has happened ever since the iPhone update schedule became relatively stable). We'll find out how well it worked when Apple posts its fiscal results in October.

 

[desura]

Ecosystem is important. Games like Tiny Wings only exist on iOS...

 

[openwheel]

OMG, how did I survive without Tiny Wings!? I may need to give up unlimited tethering for Tiny Wings....

See the quote below from the great philosopher Zaap.

 

[Seven]

Lol people on eBay putting their preordered iPhone for sale. An example 128gb iPhone 6 going for 3k ha.

I always wonder who are these people. Whoever bid on ebay, they can also pre-order the damn phone themselves.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

I always wonder who are these people. Whoever bid on ebay, they can also pre-order the damn phone themselves.

Maybe overseas. My dad bought a few 5s' a while back before he took his vacation to Vietnam and sold them at a $400 profit each.

 

[Mopetar]

Maybe overseas. My dad bought a few 5s' a while back before he took his vacation to Vietnam and sold them at a $400 profit each.

That seems likely to me. Even though Apple has been launching in more territories, there are still some places that don't get it for several months so the only choice is to import. I don't know if those people would pay $3,000 for what otherwise costs $1,000, but there may be someone with enough money that the extra $2,000 is utterly inconsequential to them.

Also, there are some places where there's import duties or other taxes that make it less expensive to buy it somewhere where there aren't as many taxes and have someone else ship it to you or bring it back with them. Brazil, for example, has some notorious taxes on foreign electronics so you'll see a lot of people buying Xbox's, laptops, etc. when they visit the U.S. so they can get around the taxes back home.

 

[HumblePie]

Talking with people around here that have iPhones. Those that have the 5s are not looking to upgrade yet. Those with anything slower/older than the 5s are all going to get the regular 6. Don't know a single person interested in the 6+ yet that is a current iphone user.

There isn't really an upgrade from the 5s to the 6 or 6+ at all right now except for the NFC which isn't a big deal to most of the people around here. There isn't many terminals that accept NFC payments yet where I like. Walgreens, and a few vending machines are the only things I have found with working NFC consoles. There are a few grocery stores and other places that have the emblem for NFC payments, but it doesn't actually work at those terminals yet.

So unless you really want a bigger screen, which most current iphone users I personally know don't, those with the 5s are really disappointed and aren't upgrading. Least that is what feedback I've received. They are waiting for the 6s or something later for an actual upgrade.

Those with anything older than the 5s are on the pre-order bandwagon though for the regular 6.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Talking with people around here that have iPhones. Those that have the 5s are not looking to upgrade yet. Those with anything slower/older than the 5s are all going to get the regular 6. Don't know a single person interested in the 6+ yet that is a current iphone user.

There isn't really an upgrade from the 5s to the 6 or 6+ at all right now except for the NFC which isn't a big deal to most of the people around here. There isn't many terminals that accept NFC payments yet where I like. Walgreens, and a few vending machines are the only things I have found with working NFC consoles. There are a few grocery stores and other places that have the emblem for NFC payments, but it doesn't actually work at those terminals yet.

So unless you really want a bigger screen, which most current iphone users I personally know don't, those with the 5s are really disappointed and aren't upgrading. Least that is what feedback I've received. They are waiting for the 6s or something later for an actual upgrade.

Those with anything older than the 5s are on the pre-order bandwagon though for the regular 6.

My experience has been the opposite. Every iPhone user I know wants a bigger screen. Not all of them are able to upgrade right away (contracts). But those that are seem to be going for the 6 Plus, they really want a big screen. Don't know anyone picking the iPhone 6 (4.7") yet.

Me personally, I'm upgrading from my 5S to 6 Plus for the larger screen. I'm also a Note 3 user, and like that big phone. Though I did consider the iPhone 6 because it wasn't backordered (at the time) like the 6 Plus was.

 

[sgrinavi]

Talking with people around here that have iPhones. Those that have the 5s are not looking to upgrade yet. Those with anything slower/older than the 5s are all going to get the regular 6. Don't know a single person interested in the 6+ yet that is a current iphone user.

There isn't really an upgrade from the 5s to the 6 or 6+ at all right now except for the NFC which isn't a big deal to most of the people around here. There isn't many terminals that accept NFC payments yet where I like. Walgreens, and a few vending machines are the only things I have found with working NFC consoles. There are a few grocery stores and other places that have the emblem for NFC payments, but it doesn't actually work at those terminals yet.

So unless you really want a bigger screen, which most current iphone users I personally know don't, those with the 5s are really disappointed and aren't upgrading. Least that is what feedback I've received. They are waiting for the 6s or something later for an actual upgrade.

Those with anything older than the 5s are on the pre-order bandwagon though for the regular 6.

In our office everyone wants an upgrade - 40% are doing the 6+. 60% want the 6.

My 6+/64 is like 7 or 8 weeks out, you have to wonder what basis they used to make the preliminary order

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

OMG, how did I survive without Tiny Wings!? I may need to give up unlimited tethering for Tiny Wings....

See the quote below from the great philosopher Zaap.

Are you actually contributing to this discussion or are you just adding troll comments?

 

[openwheel]

In my office all iPhone users are upgrading to the regular 6. One of them has waited 8 months and saved her Verizon upgrade.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I personally may be going for the 4.7" I think either the OnePlus One or Nexus 6 will be big enough for me, I can go with a mid size phone for work instead.

 

[desura]

I'm indifferent to most of the features of the iPhone 6 except for two: the NFC payment system and the smooth form factor without the stupid hard-edged chamfer.

otherwise I'd get an iPhone 5 used...then again they are significantly thicker...so volume-wise it's a wash.

 

[Eug]

I'm indifferent to most of the features of the iPhone 6 except for two: the NFC payment system and the smooth form factor without the stupid hard-edged chamfer.

otherwise I'd get an iPhone 5 used...then again they are significantly thicker...so volume-wise it's a wash.

Volume isn't as important as the width. It's not as if the iPhone 5/5s is super thick to begin with.

But if you have big hands (I don't), wider is fine.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Same in my office. I'm upgrading to the 6 mainly because I want the screen bump, and the other 2 guys that I knew would be interested are updating as well. One to the 6 and one to the 6+.

 

[akugami]

Talking with people around here that have iPhones. Those that have the 5s are not looking to upgrade yet. Those with anything slower/older than the 5s are all going to get the regular 6. Don't know a single person interested in the 6+ yet that is a current iphone user.

I'm moving from a 5 to a 6+.

There isn't really an upgrade from the 5s to the 6 or 6+ at all right now except for the NFC which isn't a big deal to most of the people around here. There isn't many terminals that accept NFC payments yet where I like. Walgreens, and a few vending machines are the only things I have found with working NFC consoles. There are a few grocery stores and other places that have the emblem for NFC payments, but it doesn't actually work at those terminals yet.

There is a lot of buzz in the payment industry over Apple Pay. This has the potential to be HUGE for Apple. A lot of existing NFC enabled terminals will support Apple Pay. That's one of the secrets to the many retailers supporting Apple Pay...they already got NFC terminals. Ars Technica has a great article regarding Apple Pay and how timing and the maturation of NFC has Apple in a position to reap the benefits of the perfect storm. Basically, PCI Compliance 3.0 and EMV requirements will force many merchants to upgrade equipment, which will almost certainly be Apple Pay compatible.

Without seeing a review yet, the camera looks like a very nice upgrade on the 6+.

Much better battery life on the 6+ is a huge bonus for me. I do a lot of support on a mobile device and the larger screen coupled with better battery life means easier support for our clients using remote access software.

So unless you really want a bigger screen, which most current iphone users I personally know don't, those with the 5s are really disappointed and aren't upgrading. Least that is what feedback I've received. They are waiting for the 6s or something later for an actual upgrade.

Those with anything older than the 5s are on the pre-order bandwagon though for the regular 6.

There's a ton of pent up demand for a larger iPhone. I know of a few Note3 users upgrading to an iPhone 6+. I do agree that for those with a 5S who don't like the larger screen size, the upgrade is not as great.

As others have said, a lot of the features of the 6/6+ are already present on Android phones but sometimes good implementation beats out early implementation.

I will however, disagree with those who blindly say that Apple never innovates or only copies. Apple is very smart with what they implement first (higher res display, 64bit support, etc.) but I do feel that lately, they've been handcuffed by their success and slow to move forward in creative ways. As much of an egomaniac and control freak Steve Jobs was, he recognized what would be the "next big thing" for Apple. Tim Cooks is a good CEO, but he doesn't have the creative flair that Jobs had. And to be honest, I don't think Jony Ive has it either. Ive's designs were tempered by Jobs' hardass attitude.

 

[Mopetar]

I'm due for an upgrade, but I could just as well skip this cycle.

I honestly prefer a 4-4.3" phone and while 4.7" is likely within acceptable limits, it's still pushing the bounds of what I find is most comfortable. The 1 GB of RAM isn't a deal breaker, but I know they'll have twice as much next year and that creates enough preemptive envy for buyer's remorse. Also the 16 GB storage for the entry-level model annoys me, even though if it were 32 GB I would still probably pay for an upgrade to 64 or 128 GB.

I also have a suspicion that the screen for the + model will be upgraded within the next 2 years at the bare minimum and possibly as early as next year. Apparently the 1080p screen is some kind of stop gap because the image is being downsampled before being displayed. My guess is that they couldn't get enough of the panels otherwise. Either that or it leaves room to drive upgrades in the future, which makes me think they'll change in 2 years.

I'm also curious about how the NFC payment stuff will pan out. It seems like Apple has a pretty damned good implementation and the force of will to drive retailers to work with them. On the other hand, now that they've added that functionality (and assuming they get it right) that's one less piece of low-hanging fruit for them to add in the next revision, which may make improvements to all of the specs, but not have some big new hardware feature. Then again, OS improvements and a steady improvement in hardware isn't all that bad either. Perhaps they'll get their sapphire display production fully charged or add something else along those lines.

All of that aside, after actually watching the keynote video I'm more intrigued about their watch. Although there's still a lot of refinement necessary, it seems like they put a lot more thought into many of the details that the competition didn't. I still wouldn't pay more than $200 for one though, but I think they've got the best smart watch that I won't buy, for whatever that's worth.